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Waterway System
Illinois has 1,095 miles of navigable waterways that either border or pass through the state. These waterways provide the state with connections to both the Atlantic Ocean (through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes) and the Gulf of Mexico (via the Mississippi). The port of Chicago offers terminals that handle ocean and lake vessels as well as barges. Owned by the Illinois International Port District, the Lake Michigan port is served by 12 railroads and has direct access to Interstates 90 and 94. There are an additional 18 port districts established by statute in the state. IDOT owns and operates two vehicle ferries that cross the Illinois River, while supporting the development and intermodal connectivity of Illinois' transportation system.
Please click here to view a map of Illinois’ port system.
